Google Search Ranking Volatility Indicates a New Core Algorithm Update?

Over the past few days, there has been noticeable volatility in Google’s search rankings. Starting late on July 22, 2024, the fluctuations continued through the 23rd and persisted into the 24th. This could be a continuation of last week’s trends or perhaps something new entirely. As the search giant has yet to officially confirm a Google search ranking algorithm update, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause. 

The last significant Google search ranking update was on July 18th, with a prior update on July 9th. Since then, weekends have been marked by consistent volatility in Google rankings. Currently, a significant spike in chatter within the SEO community suggests that many SEO tools are detecting increased volatility. It appears that Google may be testing new algorithms or adjustments in preparation for the next core update, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Traffic Surges and Anomalies 

A common theme amongst SEO professionals amidst the unconfirmed Google algorithm update is the sudden increase in website traffic. Several contributors from WebmasterWorld and other forums have reported:

1. Increased traffic and search performance:

• One user noted a surge in traffic on Sunday, with search traffic up by 27% and the US websites ending the day with a 16% increase despite no serious sales enquiries.
• Another reported a significant increase in visitors from Google since Saturday, with improved search console metrics.
• Some users observed conflicting data from various SEO tools; while Semrush showed a decline, Ahrefs indicated an uptick, and Google Analytics showed slight improvements.

2. Peculiar observations and ongoing shuffling

The community also notes peculiar patterns:

• An HCU (Helpful Content Update) affected site saw a 150% daily increase in traffic, particularly on old URLs that had been 301 redirected to new pages. Despite comprehensive site structure changes months ago, the traffic increase was attributed to these old URLs.
• Temporary gains were noted, only to vanish shortly after, leading to frustration over constant ranking shuffles.
• The consensus seems to be that a significant update is in progress, evidenced by some competitors disappearing completely and others experiencing up to a 20% gain in traffic. 

Community Sentiment 

The sentiment within the SEO community is mixed. While some remain hopeful for positive outcomes, many express frustration over the continuous shuffling and the perceived decline in search quality. The anticipation of a major Google search ranking algorithm update brings anxiety about potential impacts on their sites.

Ensuring SEO-Friendly Web Pages 

In light of these ongoing fluctuations and the impending core update from Google, we at Springhill Marketing couldn’t stress enough how crucial it is to ensure that your web pages remain SEO-friendly. Here are some practical tips to help maintain and improve your rankings:

1. Follow Google’s EEAT guidelines

Google’s Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness or EEAT Guidelines are vital for ranking well in search result pages. Here are some key points: 

• Experience – publish content written by people with first-hand experience with the topic.
• Expertise – ensure your content demonstrates your subject matter expertise through its depth and accuracy and by citing credible sources.
• Authoritativeness – build your site’s authority by earning high-quality backlinks and maintaining a strong online reputation.
• Trustworthiness – ensure your site is secure (HTTPS), provide clear contact information, and display trust signals such as reviews and testimonials.

2. Improve overall web user experience

User experience plays a crucial role in SEO. Here are some ways to enhance it:

• Page load speed – optimise images and leverage browser caching to improve page load times.
• Intuitive navigation – ensure your site is easy to navigate with a clear structure and well-organised content.
• Engaging content – use multimedia elements such as videos and images to make your content more interesting, engaging, and much easier to digest.

3. Optimise for mobile devices

With the majority of searches now conducted on smartphones and other mobile devices, mobile optimisation is critical for better online visibility. 

• Responsive design – ensure your web design adapts to different screen sizes and devices.
• Mobile-friendly content – use larger fonts, touch-friendly buttons, and concise content for better readability on mobile devices.
• Page speed – mobile users expect fast-loading pages, so prioritise speed optimisation for mobile.

4. Work with SEO experts

Collaborating with SEO experts, such as our team at Springhill Marketing, can provide substantial benefits for your website and business. This is why it helps to enlist the services of SEO specialists to achieve better search rankings.

• In-depth knowledge – SEO specialists bring a deep understanding of Google algorithms and stay updated with the latest industry trends and updates. This expertise helps in devising strategies that are more likely to succeed.
• Time efficiency – SEO is a continuous and time-consuming process. As we say here at Springhill Marketing, SEO is more of a marathon than a sprint. By working with experts, you can save time and focus on core business operations while we handle the technical aspects of SEO.
• Customised strategies – SEO professionals can develop tailored strategies depending on the needs and goals of your business. This targeted approach ensures that efforts match your objectives, leading to more effective results.
• Performance Tracking – SEO experts regularly monitor and analyse the performance of your website, making necessary adjustments to improve rankings and traffic. This ongoing assessment helps in maintaining and enhancing your site’s visibility.
• Access to tools and resources – SEO professionals often have access to tools and resources that can provide deeper insights about Google search ranking algorithm updates and more effective optimisation techniques, which may be costly for individual businesses to acquire independently.

Stay Vigilant and Prepared to Ensure Better Online Visibility 

The recent volatility in Google’s search rankings has left many in the SEO community speculating about upcoming changes. While the exact cause remains uncertain, it is clear that staying ahead of these fluctuations requires a proactive and comprehensive SEO strategy. By following Google’s EEAT guidelines, improving user experience, optimising for mobile devices, and leveraging the expertise of SEO specialists, you can better navigate these changes and maintain your site’s performance in search results. 

At Springhill Marketing, we specialise in providing tailored SEO solutions for businesses in Northampton and beyond. If you need expert assistance to ensure your website stays on the right side of Google, we are on hand to help. Get in touch today!